Bertie Lou Johnson

Bertie Lou Johnson, the daughter of the late Albert Nathaniel and Cora Elizabeth Tippy Owens, was born in Patterson, Ark., on Sept. 13, 1931, and died at her home in Dexter on Dec. 15, 2008, at the age of 77.

She was married to J.W. Johnson in Piggott, Ark. on Oct. 4, 1947 and he preceded her in death on June 15, 1985. Mrs. Johnson had lived in Dexter since 1960. She and her husband had owned Johnson Refrigeration before retirement and was of the Baptist faith.

Surviving are two sons, Mike Johnson of Poplar Bluff and Jason Johnson of Dexter; two daughters, Rhonda Hall of Dexter, Jeanine Bomar of Jackson; 14 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Warren Owens of Farmington and Bobby Owen of Steele.

She was preceded in death by one sister, Marie Atnip; and three brothers, Revis, Doyle and Robert Owens.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, Dec.18, 2008, from 5-8 p.m. at the Watkins & Sons Funeral Home in Dexter and funeral services will be conducted on Friday, Dec. 19, 2008, at 11 a.m. in the Watkins & Sons Chapel in Dexter with Dr. Bill Vail of Poplar Bluff officiating. Interment will be in the Dexter Cemetery with Watkins & Sons Funeral Service of Dexter in charge of arrangements.